ELO Bassist Kelly Groucutt Dies at 63
- Posted on Feb 20th 2009 11:30AM by Steve Baltin
- Comments (107)
ELO bassist Kelly Groucutt died of a heart attack Thursday, at the age of 63. According to the BBC, the bassist/vocalist reportedly suffered the heart attack Wednesday night and never regained consciousness. He passed away Thursday afternoon at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.
Groucutt, along with cellist Melvyn Gale, joined the Jeff Lynne-fronted group in 1975, just in time for Electric Light Orchestra's 'Face the Music' album. With the new additions, the band, who had already had success with the ballad 'Can't Get It Out of My Head,' became one of the '70s biggest-selling rock acts, scoring immediate hit singles off that album with 'Evil Woman' and 'Strange Magic.'
Groucutt left the band in 1983, eventually suing Lynne, management and other members for unpaid royalties (the suit was resolved with an out of court settlement). Despite the suit, Groucutt went on to play in several ELO spinoff projects, including ELO Part II.
A statement on his official website says, "Our hearts and thoughts go out to Anna (his wife) and Kelly's family. He touched all of our lives with his love, kindness and generosity as well as his talent for music and song. He was a true and wonderful friend who loved every second of life and he will be greatly missed by us all."
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Dearly Departed Musicians
Kelly Groucutt, Feb. 19: He provided the bass end to classic ELO hits such as 'Mr. Blue Sky,' 'Do Ya' and 'Livin' Thing.' Groucutt died after having a heart attack, his management confirmed. He was 63.
Fin Costello, Getty Images
Louie Bellson, Feb. 14: The American big band drummer, composer and bandleader was 84.
Evans / Three Lions / Getty Images
Estelle Bennett, Feb. 11: With her sister Ronnie, left, and cousin Nedra Talley, right, Bennett sang '60s classics like 'Baby, I Love You' and 'Be My Baby' with the legendary Ronettes. She was found dead in her New Jersey home of undetermined causes. She was 67.
Hulton Archive / Getty Images
Orlando "Cachaito" Lopez, Feb. 9: The "heartbeat" of Cuba's legendary Buena Vista Social Club, a group of semi-retired musicians living in Havana made famous thanks to the work of producer Ry Cooder, died of complications from prostate surgery. He was 76.
Jose Luis Magana, AP
Molly Bee, Feb. 7: The yodeling country singer shot to fame with the 1952 novelty hit 'I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus' and later became a familiar face on TV's 'Hometown Jamboree' and 'The Tennessee Ernie Ford Show.' Bee died in California from complications following a stroke at age 69.
AP
Lux Interior, Feb. 4: The frontman of the legendary punk band the Cramps passed away due to a pre-existing heart condition.
Dave Allocca, Getty Images
Dewey Martin, Jan. 31: The drummer for the short-lived country rock pioneers Buffalo Springfield was found dead in Van Nuys, Calif. The cause of death is unknown. Martin added the backdrop to early hits penned by bandmates Neil Young ('Mr. Soul') and Stephen Stills ('For What It's Worth'). He was 68.
Getty Images
Hank Crawford, Jan. 29: The prolific saxophonist, who led Ray Charles' band, played with Jimmy McGriff and had a successful career in his own right, died at his home in Memphis. He was 74.
Tom Copi, Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images
John Martyn, Jan. 29: The acclaimed British singer-songwriter, who worked alongside the likes of Eric Clapton and Phil Collins and released 20 albums throughout a 40-year career, died at a hospital in Ireland. He was 60.
Samir Hussein, Getty Images
Billy Powell, Jan. 27: The longtime Lynyrd Skynyrd keyboardist, who survived the beloved band's deadly plane crash in 1977, died at his home in Florida of undisclosed causes. He was 56.
Michael Bush, WireImage
Reader Comments(1 of 6)
hankat 2-20-2009
I created an online memorial in honor of Kelly. Please visit and leave your thoughts, prayers, memories, pictures, light a candle, etc. Thanks, we miss you Kelly! http://www.ilasting.com/kellygroucutt.php
dirocksonat 2-20-2009
loved this music as a kid, 63 too young to die...
I grew up with ELO's music, Rest n peace....
CYCLONE COMPUTERat 2-20-2009
R.I.P. I have always loved ELO
endsngat 2-20-2009
rest in peace. what an awful band, though.
rochell0101at 2-20-2009
how old are you?
dethburgerat 2-20-2009
Go back to listening to your N*Sinc CDs and leave us adults to talk about Kelly.
Thanks
SUSANat 2-22-2009
I agree..They were never really good..but rest in peace kelly.63 is too young.
CHRISTYat 2-20-2009
So sad... I grew up listening to their music, and he was a huge part of their success. My heart really goes out to his family and friends.
SmithStudiosIncat 2-20-2009
I have been a big fan for many years,I also have my myspace page loaded with ELO's Videos from youtube also in my vehicles theres at least 2 CDs in each vehicle of ELO and the music still gives me the chills when I listen to it ,growing up in the late 60s an all through the 70's where the best of all music genres in my opinion he will be well missed an most respected
katys jimat 2-20-2009
don't bring me down, no no no no no oooooo. Rest in Peace. You've brought me many many hours of enjoyment!!
superhotchick699at 2-20-2009
WOO HOO! Great Tune!
Blane Allenat 2-20-2009
I will always honor your memory, and, my condolences to the family.
Dianaat 2-20-2009
I loved Kelly's work with ELO. My deepest sympathies to his family, and those who worked with him. Condolences to fellow fans too. This is such sad news. R.I.P Kelly
gpt748at 2-20-2009
hey "endsng" if you hated ELO we don't need your sympathy either. We all loved ELO and every member of that band. RIP
sanfernanmat 2-20-2009
Really? And can you name every member? Would that include those on stage who "played" to the tape music "live?" I bet you can't. These guys were ok at best along with their shlocky videos. It is ashamed that this person past but ELO was just OK.
endsngat 2-20-2009
gpt748, no offense intended. to the other two people who asked how old i am (53), and that i should go back to n'sync (which that bright person couldn't even spell), i grew up on the stones, clash, husker du, not n'sync. BUT I'M SORRY FOR KNOCKING E.L.O.
hijackeronjetat 2-20-2009
what a great band,many great songs, farewell
Pattyat 2-20-2009
Do you remember "Hold on tight to your dreams?" How can you NOT like ELO after hearing that song?
hijackeronjetat 2-20-2009
yes we are,pray
lstoneloveat 2-20-2009
I remember having an eight track of ELO and playing "Telephone Line" over and over... Loved ELO and am saying a prayer for Kelly's friends and family. RIP